March was a time for early arrivals. Blackbirds, Robins, Song Sparrows and waterfowl too numerous to count showed us that spring was indeed in the air.

Now we have moved into the next act of the unfolding drama when insect-eating birds show up in ever increasing numbers. In April, all of the swallows appear, along with Eastern Phoebes, Brown Thrashers and a variety of sparrows, kinglets and even a few early warblers. Along our waterways we’ll notice Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers and Ospreys, each looking for a fish dinner but catching them in very different ways.

You’ll also see birds actively building nests so this is the time to set out bird houses or to clean out existing boxes for hole nesting species like Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebirds and House Wrens. You may be surprised if a Chickadee or even a Downy Woodpecker claims one. Watching spring activity is our reward for passing through another Canadian winter.

Happy Spring Birding!

Brian Morin

Publisher of Ontario Birding News